How long has there been a lighthouse at Cape Hatteras?
1803- 1870: The first lighthouse, 90 ft tall, was built of sandstone. Originally, it used Argand-type reflectors and lamps, then 3 consecutive sets of Lewis-type reflectors and lamps, both of which used whale oil for fuel. The tower was ineffective and improvements were made in 1854. A first order Fresnel lens was installed, the height of the tower was extended (using brick) to 150 ft. to increase its range and the tower was painted white on the bottom and red on top. Shortly after the Civil War, it was judged to need replacing. It was demolished in 1871, after the current tower entered service. The ruins were visible until a 1980 storm swept them away. 1870-1936: The second (current) lighthouse was built in 1868-1870, and began operation on December 1, 1870. It cost approximately $167, 500 to build. The foundation was about 7-1/2 feet deep and consisted of 6 in. by 12 in. by 12 ft. crossed yellow pine timbers submerged in water, topped with granite boulders cemented together. The firs
